Developed in collaboration with the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, this WISH report responds to the COVID-19 pandemic by assessing the immediate needs of families of children with autism and providing practical learning tools to support them. It also examines the broader impact of the pandemic on autism spectrum disorder services, including the measures taken by service providers to maintain accessibility during public health emergencies.

The findings document the distress and disruption experienced by parents, including significant interruptions to their children’s access to treatment, education, and structured activities. Families also reported reduced access to extended family and social support networks, as well as a decline in the availability and quality of clinical and community services.

The heightened impact on children with autism and their families underscores the urgent need for accessible and affordable health, education, and family support services. The report concludes with recommendations aimed at strengthening support systems for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.